Box Score Maryville College left 10 runners stranded – seven of those in scoring position – on Wednesday afternoon, as Birmingham-Southern College took game one of the series, 2-1.
The Scots took an early lead, before the Panthers pounced for a run in each the third and fourth innings for the two-run victory.
Maryville couldn't get around Birmingham-Southern pitcher Haley Crumpton late in the game, as the senior recorded 13 total strikeouts. She gave up eight hits, as the Panthers aided in keeping the Scots from scoring.
Maryville College struck in the top of the first, as Alexus Murray battled in the box. The senior catcher fouled off five-straight pitches before finding a single through the right side. Murray stole second, before Reid Ballard lined a shot just inches above the pitcher's glove. The RBI single up the middle plated Murray from second for a 1-0 MC lead.
Birmingham-Southern knotted the game at 1-all in the top of the third. Alyssa Fowler singled to lead off the inning, as K Kyser's bunt squeaked down the third-base line for an infield single. Abby Spencer scored Fowler with a single up the middle to tie things through three innings.
Birmingham-Southern took the lead in the top of the fourth. A Savannah Lee single and a Haley Crumpton double put a pair of runners in scoring position with no outs. Saydee Keith placed an RBI single to left, scoring pinch runner Mallory Muhs from third. Katlyn Smith struck out the next three, ending the threat with a pair of runners in scoring position, 2-1.
Maryville (14-7) was led by Essence Strambler who had a 2-for-3 afternoon. Ballard was 1-for-3 with an RBI, while Murray was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Amaya Goodloe, Taylor Campbell, Sarah Gordon and Ashton Hayden combined for four of MC's eight hits on the day.
Smith had another complete game inside the circle for the Scots, tallying eight total strikeouts. She gave up just two earned runs, while walking a pair.
Birmingham-Southern (19-5) saw Spencer go 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Crumpton was also 2-for-3. Mus and Fowler added a run each, as five other Panthers recorded hits.
